About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

All applicants must submit the application form and either upload or email one letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, coach, employer, or supervisor to expandingthewalls@studiomuseum.org. 

Applications will be reviewed by a committee and only those invited for an interview will be contacted. Please email expandingthewalls@studiomuseum.org with any questions. 

What is the deadline to apply for the next cycle of Expanding the Walls? 
Friday, November 6, 2026 by 11:59 pm.

Do I qualify to participate in ETW? 

To participate in ETW you must be in high school or a GED equivalent program and have a valid employment certificate. 

What will I do in ETW? 

Explore the work of photographers such as James Van Der Zee and other important and contemporary artists making image-based work 

Learn about the Studio Museum in Harlem 
Engage with arts professionals like curators, educators, arts administrators, artists, designers, gallerists, and writers 

Discover other NYC arts and cultural institutions and cross-collaborate with teens in other museum programs 
Investigate topics related to photography, history, and community 
Train to make excellent photographs 
Create an individual photography project 
Curate an exhibition of photographs created during the program 

Do I have to already know photography to participate? 

No, it is not necessary that you have photography experience to participate in this program. 

How much time will I spend in ETW? 

Program dates: January 9 – August 5, 2027

Meets every Tuesday 4–6:30pm and every Saturday 11-3pm

Starting in July, the program will meet three times a week:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11-3

The ETW program starts at the beginning of January and runs through early August. Participants meet every Tuesday (4pm–6:30pm) and Saturday (11am–3pm) from January to June. During the summer, the program meets Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (11am–3pm). All public school holidays and breaks are observed by the program.

Where will ETW take place? 

Expanding the Walls sessions take place at the Studio Museum in Harlem (144 W 125^th Street), along with field trips and visits to various cultural institutions and museums across the city! 

Do I get paid for participating in ETW? 

Yes! While this is not a job or an internship, ETW participants receive a $1,000 stipend for their participation in the program, in addition to a travel stipend in support of transportation to and from the program. Individuals must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or eligible to work in the United States without a visa to receive the stipend. Please note: you will need to present valid working papers upon acceptance to the program.  

Only individuals authorized to work for the Museum in the United States will be eligible to receive the stipend for their participation in the program. 

If I have additional questions, who should I ask? 

If you have questions, please email expandingthewalls@studiomuseum.org. Follow @StudioMuseum on Instagram for more program updates at the Studio Museum.